Sears launches curbside pickup

Sears says it will now allow customers that order online or through a mobile device to have their purchases delivered to them outside a store while they wait in their car.

The "In-Vehicle" pick up option is an extension of the company’s effort to allow mobile and online shoppers to pick up in stores.

Here’s how the Hoffman Estates-based retailer says it will work:

A customer buys online. At checkout, they choose In-Vehicle pick up and put in their car details. Then the customer signs into Sears' mobile app and enables location services before heading to the store. Once at the store, the customer parks in marked spots for In-Vehicle pick up. Customers then indicate they've arrived on the Shop Your Way mobile app and a timer starts until the goods arrive.

When the Sears flagship in the Loop closes in the Spring, there will only be two stores remaining in Chicago.